I LOVE Etsy.com!

03-31-2008

I have quickly become a fan of Etsy "your place to buy and sell all things handmade".  I have ordered a few necklaces and I was THRILLED with the quality of each item and how quickly I got them!  Plus, isn’t it great to support the small business owner or even have a way to shop locally to support those who work near you?  I stumbled across these cute little favors that are elegant and handmade.  Check them out here.

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Locura is the designer and she mentioned using these to tuck a few tissues in and display them in a basket for guests to take as they walk in.  Put your drink ticket in them for the reception or even add seeds with a note that says "watch our love grow".  Brilliant ideas!  Be sure to check her store out.
Or how about these gorgeous pearls?  Check them out here.

Il_430xn23050326 The designer is staroftheeast.  These would be AMAZING with some of those simple J.Crew designs.
Be sure to check out Etsy, but be forewarned, you just might spend a lot of time browsing through the endless items!!!!!

(images from Etsy.com)

~lisa

This post has 1 comment
  • Amy McWatty -
  • I was going to post on Etsy today, too:) I just ordered some vintage style clippies to hold my daughter’s bangs back. They have over 1,000 of them at Etsy…love it!

  • 3-31-2008

Fun Ideas…

03-28-2008

I stumbled across these really cute save-the-date cards.  How many of us receive something in the mail and then get into a panic when that important piece of mail cannot be located??? I know I am one of those – even when I am on one of my organization kicks!  So, check these out…(click on image to make bigger)
010591 Ok, since the image does NOT do it justice go to Cheers Favor Company and then look for the custom save-the-date magnet cards.  They are WAY better than just a plain magnet and a great way to make sure that these important little cards don’t get lost in the shuffle!!

Now, I have been a fan of J.Crew for some time, but I must say that their growing wedding line of clothing is spectacular.  Take a look at a few things I found on their website.

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STUNNING!!!!  A simple elegance that makes me wish I could just wear them at any time.  Check out some ideas for bridesmaids…

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Wouldn’t it be fun to add a "pop" of color?  Be sure to check out J.Crews line of wedding and bridesmaid dresses.   They also have dresses for flower girls AND a line of men’s attire for the big day :)    (images from J.Crew.com)

Have a super day!

~lisa

The son of one of my clients is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah and I was asked to do his photo session for his headshots and the fun creative shots that will be diplayed at the big event.  We met at one of my favorite locations and other than a little too much wind, it was a perfect day.  I would like to share a few from that session that I love, but then again, I really love all of them :)   Their son was THE perfect subject as he really knew what he wanted for the creative shots and even shared a few ideas of his own, but also did great on the more traditional shots. 

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Thank you for stopping by!

~lisa

This post has 5 comments
  • Mike Mizzell -
  • 2 BIG holy cow thumbs up!!!
    Great job!! He looks like such a natural in front of the lens!

  • 3-31-2008
  • Lisa Carpenter -
  • Thank you Mike. He was a complete GEM! He even had a fun time sharing his creative ideas:)

  • 3-31-2008
  • Jules -
  • LOVE the last one especially! He looks like a very mature 13-year-old with seriously straight teeth. That’s SO not fair.
    ;)

  • 3-31-2008
  • Lisa Carpenter -
  • THANK YOU so much for the nice comments! I could have made this session last all day it was so much fun :)

  • 3-31-2008

Wow, after spending time at WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) convention and trade show, my head is spinning!  Loads of fabulous information and new ideas to sort out :)   Sorry for the lack of posts in the last week, so bear with me the next couple of days and in the meantime I will leave you with a funny cartoon clip.  Seems fitting after listening to some fabulous speakers about topics ranging from general photography to motivation…

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I get a good chuckle out of this one!

~lisa

This post has 2 comments
  • Jen -
  • oh you are lucky you got to go to WPPI. I’m so jealous! Maybe one year I’ll make it there!

  • 3-25-2008

I just had to share some pictures I took of my studio samples for the jewelry line I am offering.  These pictures truly do not do these gorgeous pieces justice, but they do pretty well.  I will be making a catalog real soon, but in the meantime, here a few different items.  Two sterling necklace choices, a GORGEOUS sterling bracelet, and an impressive business card holder (perfect for dads!). 

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When I said miscellaneous fun stuff…I truly meant it.  We now go to some super fun shots from a recent basketball game of one of my boys.  Love the expressions!

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Have a GREAT day!

~lisa

This post has 6 comments
  • Dennis -
  • I see he is in Upward….what a great program!

  • 3-16-2008
  • ohana photography ~ david & kim baxter -
  • ok i’m not sure my comment posted. dur :) as i was saying the jewelry is beautiful. is that a business card case? if so where would i find your price list?

  • 3-17-2008
  • Sheila LaMaster -
  • the jewelry is very cool and unique.. i need more info ;)

  • 3-20-2008

Who ever said you had to have a 3 or 5 tier cake with your choice of a wedding topper?  Cakes are yet another form of art and there are so many styles out there…much like photography!  Why not let your imagination go wild and just "WOW!" your guests with your cake?  You can and I have found a super cool cake designer to show you just what can be done with these edible treats.  Check out Colette’s Cakes website and see her incredible cake gallery.  Here are a few of what you will find. 

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I could go on forever, but you get the point.  There are so many FANTASTIC cakes out there, or should I say edible art designs?  Again, it is just another way to make your day SO YOU!  Have FUN with your cakes :)

Thanks for stopping by,

~lisa

This post has 1 comment
  • Frank_DiMeo -
  • Beautiful cakes, and fabulous new blog Lisa! Great idea! I love it!

  • 3-15-2008

After much thought, I decided to have a separate blog for wedding images and information helpful to brides.  It is still VERY new, but I would love it if you would stop on by and take a peek :)  

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Thanks! 

~lisa

For those of you getting married, it is essential to have gorgeous announcements to tell about your big day.  I wanted to share a few from the various collections I have available. 

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This is just a sneak peak into the various cards and each collection has the invitation, save the date, rsvp and thank you card which beautifully coordinate with each other. 

Have a wonderful day!

~lisa

I truly believe that my creative work happens in both the camera AND in Photoshop.  Taking an image to that ‘next level’ is part of what I LOVE to do!  That is where textures come into play.  Textures do have their place and time with images and I don’t believe they should be used on every photo and definitely should not be overdone!  BUT, they can make an image so incredible and can give an ethereal effect that a select few just scream out "I want texture!".  Here are a few I would like to share to show just what can be done.
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I will share more as I work with them.  Thanks for stopping by!

~lisa

This post has 1 comment
  • Amy McWatty -
  • I love how these have the look of ‘artwork’. Can’t wait to see more!

  • 3-25-2008

There are endless styles and colors of wedding dresses today that you are sure to find one that makes THE perfect dress for you :)   That is why I say, "there’s no such thing as a bad wedding dress."  Why?  For no other reason than it was selected by you to fit who you are and that is all that matters.  To be honest, I have found beauty in nearly all of the images I have scoured through…whether the color is black or crimson red, four feet wide or is a simple little slip dress.   Choices are there because we are all very different.  Yippee for choices right?  Here are a few that have caught my eye.

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(images courtesy of The Knot)
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Ok, this is not your typical dress, but oh my goodness it is still quite stunning!  Searching online for the black wedding dresses and I come across this beauty.  I know, it is not for everyone, but it still is worth sharing.
Red_stevies_gowns Image courtesy of All Things Bridal).  A rich red dress which I realize is not for everyone, but once again, one size does not fit all:)  My only other thought is to say that you must get amazing photographs to cherish and preserve this moment in life!  Have a really creative and fun bridal session so you can look back and see just how fabulous you looked!!! 

~lisa